A former UK Catholic school teacher has been convicted of carrying out sex assaults on two students nearly 40 years ago. Sally-Anne Bowen, 65, who taught chemistry at Christ's College in North London, was found guilty of seven counts of indecent assault by a majority verdict at Harrow Crown Court.
Prosecutors stated that the assaults occurred when the accusers were 14 or 15 years old and Bowen was in her mid-20s. One accuser testified that he had sexual relations with Bowen approximately 20 to 30 times over several months. He described believing he was in love with her and that she was his girlfriend. He also stated that Bowen repeatedly told him not to tell anyone about their interactions, which he did out of a desire to protect her.
The second accuser alleged that Bowen kissed him in a cafe after he was goaded by other boys, and that he touched her breasts. Bowen denied all allegations, calling them a "total fabrication" and "the workings of a fantasy."
During the trial, Bowen's attire and demeanor in the classroom were discussed. Prosecutors described her as having a penchant for wearing "tight tops" and "mini skirts," which she demonstrated to the jury. One former student testified that Bowen would act as if she were in a "Sabrina Carpenter video" and that she "dressed and behaved more like my teenage female friends than the other teachers."
Bowen maintained that the allegations were false and that she had a strictly student-teacher relationship with the complainants. She claimed she was "a nice person and students talked to me." She also denied a specific incident where a student alleged she had reviewed a "sex manual" with the class, stating the only magazine she confiscated was a football magazine.
Bowen was granted bail and is scheduled for sentencing on November 20.